Joaquin Niemann had a nightmare start to the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
The 27-year-old Chilean started his tournament with an opening round 78, making an 11 on the sixth hole. It took him nine shots to get it down, but he was given another two by the USGA for throwing his golf club during the hole.
There is no footage of the club throw available, but the USGA said, “This act was determined to be serious misconduct under Rule 1.2b.”
This was a controversial decision, especially considering Rory McIlroy threw his club at Oakmont last year and went unpunished. It’s impossible to compare the two incidents properly until the footage is released, but it hasn’t always been a slam-dunk penalty.
Andrew Coltart weighed in on this controversial decision.
Andrew Coltart on Joaquin Niemann’s club throw penalty
Coltart, speaking on Sky Sports, didn’t think this was a difficult decision for the USGA. He said it’s Niemann’s responsibility to set an example for the kids watching at home, so these incidents cannot go unpunished.
He said, “It’s interesting. I think everybody is aware that all the people are watching, the game is expanding, there is a lot of kids coming through and showing up at golf events.
“I am a fine one to talk, I have done mistakes like that in the past, but if they don’t clamp down on it you embolden that type of display and it does not do anybody any good. I think it’s quite right.”
It’s the right take from Coltart. McIlroy really should have been given a two-stroke penalty at Oakmont last year. It’s shocking that he didn’t. Frustration on the course is fine, but when you start flinging clubs around it must be nipped in the bud.
- READ MORE: Bryson DeChambeau criticized after what he did on just the second hole of US Open day two
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